"Alex McArthur is damn good. She has the slight “sizzle” with the esses and the ability to smoothly glide from note to note.. And when I say 'glide'... I’m talking about the glissando and rubato of real blues and jazz singers. Alex McArthur is a treasure. She is the real deal"
- Peter Hall, Buffalo Rising
January 2023
Alex McArthur is a passionate jazz vocalist whose artistry revolves around creativity, storytelling, and authentic expression. With a naturally warm, soulful tone that spans multiple octaves, Alex has been a vibrant presence in Buffalo’s music scene for a decade. Her performances showcase an ever-expanding repertoire, crossing genres and painting vivid, emotional stories through song. Based in Buffalo, NY, Alex collaborates with composers and musicians from diverse backgrounds, embracing the voice as an instrument to convey narratives as powerfully as any horn or string instrument. Fearless and inventive, she thrives on stepping out of her comfort zone & taking chances.
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Blending personal interpretations with timeless classics, Alex breathes new life into the Great American Songbook, having presented many tributes to legends like George & Ira Gershwin, Billie Holiday, Cole Porter, Nancy Wilson, Esperanza Spalding, and Stevie Wonder. She also reimagines beloved songs from other genres, crafting refreshing interpretations that keep her audiences captivated and curious for what’s next.
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Growing up in a musically diverse household, Alex absorbed a rich tapestry of styles—from classical and jazz to prog-rock, soul, and gospel, this eclectic foundation shaped her artistic voice and inspired her pursuit of musical storytelling. Studying at the University at Buffalo, she immersed herself in musical theatre, classical voice, vocal jazz & improvisation, & choral music, cultivating a deep understanding of the many emotional and technical aspects of music. She credits her mentors, studies, and community for fostering her connection to the vocal art form.
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A four-time winner of the JazzBuffalo Poll for Female Vocalist of the Year (2018, 2021–2023), Alex performs at venues and festivals across Western New York, such as PAUSA Art House, Sportsmen's Tavern, Burchfield Penney Art Center, Buffalo AKG, The Colored Musicians Club, & many more. When not performing under her name, she stays busy as an on call vocalist across the region, composing original music, collaborating on special projects, and contributing her talents to theatre, choral, and music educational communities in the Greater Niagara region.